Former hospital could become accommodation

A HISTORIC Denbighshire hospital and workhouse could be part demolished as part of a development of almost 100 houses and apartments.

Local developers Pure Residential and Commercial Ltd bought the eight acres and Grade II-listed HM Stanley Hospital in St Asaph in January 2013.

The proposal is to build and redevelop the former HM Stanley Hospital, Upper Denbigh Road in St Asaph, preserving the main original building.

The plans include 54 houses and 33 apartments for assisted living facitilies.

The report states: “The (original) building will be restored and used as residential accommodation.

“The additions to original building will be removed and the building will be restored to its original form”.

St Asaph city councillor Elsie Powell said: “I think it could be very, very good.
“The plans are nice.“They are keeping the original building but taking out the added extensions, the report looks very good.”

“There will no affordable housing included in the plans as they are going to keep the original main building.”

HM Stanley Hospital in St Asaph was put up for sale in April 2012 by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

HM Stanley Hospital was also a workhouse when it was home to its namesake, the controversial Victorian adventurer and journalist.

The workhouse dates back to 1838 and became a hospital in 1948, but the beginning of April 2012 saw the end of the eye care service.

The report also states: “The later additions to the infirmary are unsightly and will also be removed. The building will be restored and used as part of the proposed care home”.

The remainder of the site, including doctors' accommodation, offices for Welsh Ambulance Service Trust and St Kentigern Hospice are not part of the development.
Councillor John Wynne Jones said: “The place looks terrible at the moment and now the plans on there will be a big benefit to everybody.”

Andrew Thomas said: “I am concerned there’s been no archaeology research on there, but I’ve been talking to the archaeology trust and there is nothing specific on there but the trust will be keeping a watchful eye on it.”

Pure Residential and Commercial Ltd, based in St Asaph, are already building 21 two and three bedrom homes on the former St Winifred’s School.

St Asaph City Council spoke on the application which will be decided by Denbighshire County Council’s planning committee.